Top six most powerful front-wheel drive cars available this year
From Chrysler to Nissan, these humble sedans aren’t shy when it comes to what’s under the hood
Rear-wheel drive sports cars are all the rage, but you can have plenty of fun with a front-wheel drive car, too.
It’s no secret that RWD cars churn out performance like none other, ranging anywhere from 350 horsepower to 707 hp found in the Hellcat-powered Dodge Charger and Challenger models.
But what about FWD cars? They have limitations, but you might be surprised to hear what the most powerful FWD cars available in 2016 are.
In case you wonder where the crossovers and SUVs are, we decided to reserve this list to traditional passenger cars. Chrysler 200S V6 — 295 HP As for what is available in the U.S. and Canada, the list starts off with the Chrysler 200S V6, which is the only car on the list with less than 300 hp. The mid-size sedan might be getting the axe soon, but it is one of the most powerful front-drivers available today.
Under the hood is the familiar 3.6litre Pentastar V6 engine from FCA, sporting 295 hp and 262 lb-ft. of torque.
Nissan Maxima — 300 HP
Nissan isn’t shying away from shoving its V6 engine under the hood of every model imaginable.
The Nissan Maxima is the latest to benefit, with the 3.5-litre V6 mill providing 300 hp and 261 lb-ft. of torque.
Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E — 302 HP
Volvo might have a rich history in safety, but it’s getting serious about luxury and performance.
The Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E is powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine that is both turbocharged and supercharged.
The four generates 302 hp and 295 lb-ft. of torque.
Buick LaCrosse — 304 HP
Buick’s full-sized LaCrosse comes standard with a 3.6-litre V6 engine that provides 304 hp and 264 lb-ft. of torque.
It is also available in all-wheel drive for those who need more control in rain, sleet or snow.
Cadillac XTS — 304 HP
With the Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V models wreaking havoc all over the road, the XTS has arguably become the most tame model in Cadillac’s lineup. Standard is a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 304 hp and 264 lb-ft. of torque.
Chevrolet Impala — 305 HP
Powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 305 hp and 264 lb-ft. of torque, you might be surprised that the Chevrolet Impala is front-wheel drive. Well, it is. If you want to complain to somebody, complain to Chevrolet.